During the winter months, fire departments all
over the country frequently respond to chimney fires. Homeowners should be extra
cautious when it comes to the care and maintenance of their chimneys.

What are Chimney Cleaning Logs?

When wood or coal burns, a byproduct of tar, ash
and carbon residue sticks to the inside of the chimney. That byproduct is called
creosote, which is highly flammable. If it is not cleaned out, it can create a
serious fire hazard. Also know as "creosote destruction logs," chimney cleaning
logs work on the principle of chemical destruction of creosote and soot.

They are a
"do-it-yourself" way to clean the chimney
- convenient and inexpensive compared to
traditional chimney cleaning methods.

How do Chimney Cleaning Logs Work?

The logs are charged with chemicals that are
released as the log burns in the fireplace, usually for up to about two hours.
The smoke from the log, filled with those minerals, floats up the chimney, and
seeps into the creosote. After about 10-to-15
days, the chemicals in the smoke cause the creosote to eventually dry-out and
flake-off. The process is called a catalytic treatment.

How Effective are Chimney Cleaning Logs?

It depends. Unfortunately, many variables (such
as the type of fuel burned, the rate of burning, and the heat intensity that
generated the creosote), combine to determine how effective the cleaning logs
will be.

Given the right conditions, however, the
chemicals can destroy and remove all of the built-up creosote and keep the
chimney creosote-free.

Are the Logs Effective in all Fireplace
Types?

No. The logs are primarily effective in sealed,
controlled, combustion-type stoves and inserts - they do not work in open-flame
fireplaces (the common, open-hearth fireplace). The problem with open-flame
fireplaces is that the "reactive gas" (see below) necessary to clean the
creosote will be too diluted to be effective. Or in other words, the reactive
gas is carried out the top of the chimney before it can condense and attack
built-up creosote.

What Chemicals are Used in the Chimney
Cleaning Logs?

Inorganic salts, such as a mixture of potassium
nitrate and ammonium sulfate, break down under heat to form a reactive gas that
condenses on the inside of the chimney flue. The reactive gases fall into one or
more of the following categories: acidic gas, alkaline metals, transition metals
(copper, zinc, etc.), or surfactants, either singly or in combinations. These
condensed reactive gases react with the creosote to remove it.

Are There Differences Between Chimney
Cleaning Logs?

Yes. The basic difference is the composition and
concentration of the chemicals. Only one log product is patented, UL-certified,
and independent lab tested (OMNI-Test 503 643 3788) to clean creosote. It is a
product manufactured in Holland and distributed in the USA by Joseph Enterprises
at www.cleanyourchimney.com under the label of CSL logs.

What are Other Chimney-Cleaning
Options?

Chemical chimney-cleaning products are
available in bulk from fireplace stores or on the web.

A professional chimney sweep should be hired
about once a year to perform a thorough cleaning and maintenance check.